Wednesday, February 10, 2016

"No Rules" play

This school
in New Zealand instituted a “no rules” policy on their playground. Children
are allowed to climb anything, build whatever they please, and drag all manner
of objects to school for public use.

An inspection of the playground produces
numerous hazards in the form of sharp objects and big sticks. It is not unusual to see
children climbing in trees taller than the school building. Teachers watch, but
are not allowed to intervene.

It sounds like a disaster waiting to happen, but the result
is a significant drop in bullying and fewer injuries than when the playground
had rules. In addition, research conducted at the school shows that student confidence
is up as is their ability to concentrate once back in the classroom. Teachers
also note an increase in older children stepping in to settle arguments before
they become fights.

God built our brains to assess risk. Children need practice
in assessing risk in order to learn how to do it. If we protect children from
any risk, we deny them the opportunity to learn.

When, as parents, we try to create a perfectly safe world
for our children we are turning parenting into a substitute for God. We cannot
keep our children perfectly safe. God knows our children will meet with danger so He
designed them to be able to learn from mistakes along the way.

Sometimes we need to step aside and let God do the parenting.

For I know the plans I
have for you, declares the Lord, plans for
welfareand not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11